Alimony Statute Updates 2016

A few days before the latest alimony bill could become law, Florida Governor Rick Scott vetoed the much-anticipated bill due to a proposed revision of current child custody laws.

The proposed alimony bill included a new rule that created a presumption of equal-time sharing between divorced parents, an inclusion that led to the death of the legislative measure that could have an impact on the separate issue of alimony.

Proposed Changes to Alimony Laws in Florida

Senate Bill 668 authored by Senator Lee proposed the following changes to current alimony rules:

Provide courts with a clear formula for calculating alimony and its duration, considering specific factors such as the respective income of the parties and the duration of the marriage

Create a rebuttable presumption that alimony shall not be awarded in marriages of short duration, 2 years or less

Imputation of income: A legal provision which allows the court to calculate alimony based on the potential income of a paying party who is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed

Award of nominal alimony which the court may award when a party who traditionally provided support to the family temporarily lacks the financial ability to provide support. Nominal alimony is set at $1 per year and may be modified later to a full alimony award following the alimony calculation guidelines established by the proposed law

Duty of the court to state specific findings on relevant factors to justify an alimony award that is outside the calculated presumptive alimony amount

Rule setting the maximum combined award of alimony and child support at not more than 55% of the payor’s net income

Security of award: A legal provision which allows the court, under special circumstances, to order one party to purchase or provide a life insurance policy in a sufficient amount to secure the alimony award

Termination of alimony award to take effect upon the death of either party or the remarriage of the paying party

Modification of alimony, affecting only the amount of the award but not the duration of the alimony award

Current alimony laws in Florida allow courts great latitude in setting the amount of alimony using several factors, such as the income of the parties and the duration of the marriage. Modification of the award is also possible if the party seeking the change can prove substantial changes in the circumstances of the parties to justify the modification.

The proposed changes could have radically changed the manner by which alimony awards are determined, potentially creating consistency and fairness in their determination, and potentially adding some degree of financial relief on a paying party by setting a maximum combined award and clear termination events of an alimony award.

Reason for the Veto

The Senate Bill 668 contained other provisions affecting Florida Family Law, particularly one that created the presumption that equal time-sharing between parents is in the child’s best interests.

In rejecting the legal premise of equal time-sharing, Governor Scott said that the new law placed the wants of the parents above the child’s best interests, which the current law protects. He also said that in deciding issues affecting children in family law cases, the court must take into account each family’s unique situation and put the child’s best interests above everything else.

The Governor’s statement did not address the proposed changes in Florida’s alimony law which were struck down along with the equal time-sharing provision.

This is the second time that the Governor has vetoed proposed alimony reforms in Florida. The latest bill’s sponsors plan to continue their pursuit for alimony reforms next time through separate bills tackling alimony, child custody, and other family law issues.

Financial Impact of Alimony

If you are contemplating divorce or dissolution of your marriage in Florida, existing rules on alimony can have an impact on your future finances. Depending on the circumstances of your case, an award can extend for a long period and take up a large portion of your resources. It’s important to discuss your situation immediately with an experienced Clearwater alimony attorney who can analyze your case and provide you with appropriate legal advice to help you make informed decisions.

Going through a divorce is a challenging time for everyone and can be made more complicated when alimony issues are raised. Your Clearwater divorce attorney can help sort your legal issues and if necessary, go to trial in order to protect your rights and obtain a fair outcome in your situation.

In Pinellas County, Florida, the Law Firm for Family Law was established by lawyer Gary Williams, one of only 18 Board Certified Experts in Marital and Family Law in the region. Armed with an MBA, Gary Williams has the added advantage of understanding the special needs of business owners who are undergoing dissolution of their marriages.

How Does Your Firm Help Complex Divorce Cases?

A divorce may involve complex financial questions like business valuations or imputing income for a self-employed or unemployed spouse. Emotional conflict over parenting issues can also make the case exceedingly complex. We help you define what it means to "win" your case and develop a strategy that meets your goals.

What Experiences Does Your Firm Have With High Assest Divorces?

As one of the few Board Certified Family Law experts in Pinellas County, our firm has extensive experience dealing with high asset divorces. We assist in identifying and valuing complex assets. We also understand the need to retain a business or ownership interest undivided as part of the equitable distribution.

Why Does Someone Need an Attorney for Modification?

Divorce decrees regarding alimony, child support or parenting and timesharing are court orders that can only be changed by going back to court and proving that a modification is justified according to legal principles. The other party may oppose the modification, and litigation may be required.

Why Is Your Firm the Best Choice for Legal Issues Concerning Children?

Gary E. Williams is a certified family law mediator as well as a board certified specialist in family law. We work with you and your spouse to create lasting agreements that work for the whole family. If agreement can't be reached, we provide strong, effective representation to protect your rights and your children's best interests.

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